Windhoek (Namibia) 18 August 2024 (SPS)- the Government of the Republic of Namibia issued a Press Release last Friday 16 August, condemning the French Government’s endorsement of the Moroccan colonial fait accompli in Western Sahara, considering this decision as a “blatant disregard of the principles of international law particularly the right to self-determination.”
Following is the full text of the Press Release:
16 August 2024
MEDIA RELEASE
SUBJECT: NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE’S RECENT DECISION ENDORSING MOROCCO’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER WESTERN SAHARA
The Government of the Republic of Namibia is deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent decision made by the French government endorsing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This decision constitutes a blatant disregard of the principles of international law particularly the right to self-determination, a longstanding aspiration of the Sahrawi people. Namibia hereby wishes to condemn in the strongest term the ongoing occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco. The question of Western Sahara remains a decolonization issue, and cannot be subjected to a bilateral deal side-stepping the United Nations processes.
Namibia asserts that the position taken by the current French government undermines the decades[1]long efforts of the United Nations to find a sustainable, peaceful and just solution to the question of Western Sahara. By adopting Morocco’s position of full autonomy over Western Sahara, the French Government has become complicit in the ongoing occupation and human rights abuses of the Sahrawi people. As a permanent member of the United Nation Security Council tasked with the onerous responsibility of the maintenance of international peace and security, the French decision is highly regrettable and goes against the principles enshrined in the UN charter. France has lost its credibility.
The Government of Namibia remains resolute and steadfast in its unwavering support for the legitimate right to self-determination and independence for the people of Western Sahara and cautions that this type of action by a powerful member of the UN Security Council that is motivated by its narrow national interest, can never legitimize foreign occupation. We remain committed to the UN-led peace processes, and will continue to work towards a just and lasting solution to the question of Western Sahara. END/
ISSUED BY: AMB. PENDA A. NAANDA
Executive Director. (SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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